2025 Northwest Regional Conference

2025 AEE Northwest Regional Conference 

Bridging Communities: Sharing Tools and Building Networks in Experiential Education.

May 2-4, 2025

In partnership with Washington State University Extension 4-H

Location Friday: Immanuel Presbyterian Church. 901 North J Street, Tacoma, WA 98403

Location Saturday:  Science and Math Institute (SAMI). 5502 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407

Location Sunday: Various adventures in the region.

Join Us for the 2025 Experiential Education Regional Conference!

Step into a weekend of inspiration, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with educators, facilitators, and leaders from diverse fields of experiential learning. This conference is designed to ignite fresh ideas, strengthen our community, and provide practical tools you can take back to your work.

Whether you're passionate about Outdoor Adventure Education, applying Therapeutic Approaches to experiential learning, enhancing Classroom Education (including daycares, afterschool programs, and educational day camps), or seeking General Experiential Education Tools & Techniques that can be applied across professions—this event has something for you!

Through dynamic workshops, outdoor experiences, and collaborative discussions, you'll gain new strategies, build strong professional connections, and leave energized to elevate your impact. Join us as we explore, connect, and grow together in an environment where learning isn’t just talked about—it’s lived.

Regional events bring together people passionate about experiential education—whether you’re a member or not—to connect, learn, and grow. These gatherings are all about sharing ideas, building relationships, and exploring new ways to apply experiential learning in your work or studies. You’ll meet an incredible community, expand your network, gain insights from leaders in the field, and walk away with fresh inspiration and practical takeaways to fuel your next steps. Plus, it’s not just educational—it’s fun!

Conference Schedule:

Friday May 2

5-9 PM | Connect, Learn, and Score Free Stuff!

Join us Friday, May 2nd, 5pm for an energizing evening meet-up to jumpstart your conference experience! We’ll kick things off with a free dinner provided by the WSU 4-H Challenge program—enjoy a free baked potato bar and salad as you fuel up for the fun. Will have a Playnote to spark creativity and connection, and networking sessions with professionals in adventure therapy, outdoor education, teaching, afterschool programs, camps, and more. These interactive, informal sessions are a great way to share ideas and expand your network. And don’t miss out on the Free Stuff! It’s a gift-giving extravaganza—bring a book, activity, or tool you’re ready to pass along, and take home something new to inspire your next program. No need to bring something to participate—but it’s a great chance to give and receive fresh ideas! Whether you're new to experiential education or a seasoned pro, this Friday night gathering is a fun, welcoming way to connect, learn, and launch your weekend right!

Saturday, May 3

8am | Check-in 

8:30 – 9:00am | Keynote/Playnote

10:00 - 11:00am | Workshop 1 | WORKSHOP DETAILS

Unleashing Excellence: Leadership and Team Building Lessons from "Dog Mushing."

Wheel Therapy: A Collection of Wheel-based Experiences.

From Arrival to Thrival: Unleashing the Power of Community Builders!

11:10 - 12:10pm | Workshop 2 | WORKSHOP DETAILS

Beyond Barriers: Inclusive Outdoor Recreation for All.

Grief Tool Kit: Experiential Support for Youth experiencing loss. 

Play with Purpose: Building Social-Emotional Skills & Group Agreements. 

12:10 – 1:00pm  | Lunch

1:00 – 2:30pm |  Workshop 3 | WORKSHOP DETAILS

Safety Science for Outdoor & Experiential Education: Using Research to Improve Risk Management Strategies.
Grow Your Professional Relationship with Nature.
Beyond the Blank Page: Strategies for Engaging and Effective Journaling. 
Redefining the "Comfort Zone": Understanding risk, choice and self-efficacy within adventure contexts. 

2:40 – 4:10pm | Workshop 4 | WORKSHOP DETAILS

Connection Prevents Correction or How to Experientially Reduce Challenging Behaviors.

Utilizing Near-nature Resources in Community-Based Adventure Therapy Programming.

Supercharging Field Trips & Overnight Programs: Training Staff, Parents, Teachers, and Chaperones for Success.

Conversations using the 22 Relational Nutrients: A framework to strengthen connections with colleagues and employees.

4:10 – 4:45pm | Large group reflections and closing 

4:45 – 6:00pm | Break 

6:00 – 8:00pm | Sunset dinner at beach

8:00pm | On your own adventures

Sunday May 3

TBD | Morning adventures: Explore the area with fun adventures. Cold plunge, boat adventure, and more.

Registration Details

Prices:

Includes Friday potato bar, playnotes, workshops, and socials.

Saturday Lunch and Dinner separate charge of $45. Can bring your own lunch/dinner if desired.

REGISTER NOW

Lodging

Lodging is not provided by the conference. We have kept the rates as low as possible to support members securing lodging on their own.

Important Travel & Safety Information for Conference Attendees

As you make arrangements for lodging and transportation, please keep in mind that the conference is being held in an urban area. To help ensure a safe and positive experience, we encourage you to take common-sense precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking, especially at night. Travel in groups when possible.
• Do not leave valuables in your car—even for a short time. Car break-ins can happen quickly.
• Secure your belongings in your hotel room and avoid leaving bags unattended in public areas.
• Use reputable transportation options such as taxis, rideshare services, or public transit in well-lit areas.
• Choose lodging in well-reviewed areas and check safety considerations when selecting accommodations.

Our goal is for all attendees to have a great experience, and a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit. If you have any concerns or need local recommendations, feel free to reach out to me at bbrandt@wsu.edu or text me at 253 970-4549. We have some locals with backyards for camping.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Brian Brandt                         Erin Carpenter
bbrandt@wsu.edu                erincarpenter321@gmail.com

253 970-4549

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The Northwest Region includes the following states and provinces:

Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon Territory, Nunavut, Northwest Territories